If you own a cat, a dog or any other kind of pet, choosing the right pet food is one of the most important decisions you can make on their behalf. Supplying the right diet (and in the right proportions) will help to keep your pet healthy and may also have ...
If you own a cat, a dog or any other kind of pet, choosing the right pet food is one of the most important decisions you can make on their behalf. Supplying the right diet (and in the right proportions) will help to keep your pet healthy and may also have ...
Dogs have served as human companions for thousands of years and owning a dog can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Many people see their dog as part of the family and they can bring a lot of happiness, joy and love to the family home. It's important ...
Twelve children under 10-years old are killed or injured as passengers in cars every day, according to the Child Accident Prevention Trust. It's important to make sure that kids are as safe as they can possibly be for even the shortest car journeys. Stati ...
According to the latest Crime Survey in England and Wales, there were more than a million vehicle-related theft incidents between October 2011 and September 2012.* These figures have fallen in recent years but still make depressing reading for car owners. ...
Most working women are entitled to maternity pay and maternity leave when they are expecting a child. Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is the bare minimum you are entitled to. Contractual Maternity Pay may be paid on top of Statutory Maternity Pay, if it is ...
There are thousands of financial products available ranging from bank accounts and loans to credit cards, pensions, investments and insurance policies. The sheer choice of products on offer can be bewildering. Defaqto Star Ratings are designed to allow cu ...
Motor insurance is a legal requirement for driving on a road or any other public place in the UK. Even if you do not intend to drive a car, it must have a minimum of third party car insurance or be declared as 'off the road' with a Statutory Off Road Noti ...
Debit cards and credit cards both provide ways to pay for goods and services without the need to carry cash or write out a cheque. Both types of card look similar and can be used to make payments in a similar way. They work in different ways however, and ...
Credit cards offer a quick, convenient and relatively safe way to pay for goods and services. These days many credit cards can be applied for online. You may still have to wait for a decision, but applying online can streamline the process. Some providers ...
Using a credit card can be safer than walking around with bundles of cash, but credit card fraud is still a big problem. Credit and debit card fraud fell to a 10-year low in 2011, according to Financial Fraud Action UK. It still accounted for losses of £3 ...
Credit cards can offer a quick, safe and convenient way to pay for goods and services. Most credit cards have an interest free period, meaning that if you pay off your balance by the due date each month you will not usually have to pay any interest for us ...
Many people these days have more than one credit card. Depending on how they use and manage them, this is not necessarily a bad thing. Used sensibly, multiple credit cards can bring certain advantages. There are also potential drawbacks though. Wh ...
A balance transfer allows a customer to transfer the money they owe on one credit card to another – typically with the transferred balance enjoying a better interest rate on the new card. Many different credit cards and providers offer this feature. The t ...
Dogs have been selectively bred for thousands of years in order to produce differences in appearance, build and behaviour. The process is still going on, meaning that new breeds are introduced all the time. There is also some debate as to exactly what con ...
In these cash strapped times it's more important than ever to save money where you can. Despite this fact thousands of people in the UK are paying over the odds for their gas supply, simply because they haven't taken the time to look for a better deal. ...
The majority of mortgage providers won’t offer you a mortgage unless you have buildings insurance, but that rule doesn’t apply to contents insurance. However, the contents of an average household can amount to a considerable sum in some cases, which m ...
After a recent string of harsh winters, many drivers have come to appreciate the importance of looking after their cars during the cold, dark months. Car maintenance is important throughout the year however and even hot, dry weather can put its own st ...
If you break down, roadside and breakdown assistance can be a real life saver. But it is important to make sure you and your passengers are safe before calling for help. Breaking down on the motorway If you break down on the motorway there are certa ...
There are many factors that affect your car insurance premium, including past claims history, no claims discounts and any past motoring convictions. The insurance group that your car falls into will also have a major impact on the cost of your car insu ...
Unfortunately car insurance is a necessary expense and if you drive a vehicle without it, you are breaking the law. However, it is possible to cut the costs of your car insurance by increasing your car security. Modern cars are built with security in ...
In order to drive a 4x4 vehicle in the UK you must have valid insurance. Holding a certain level of insurance is a legal requirement, but 4x4 vehicle insurance can also protect you if you are involved in an accident or if your vehicle is stolen or dama ...
No matter how well maintained a car is or how careful its driver considers themselves to be, breakdowns and accidents can occur. Vehicles can sometimes be repaired at the roadside but sometimes it may be necessary for a car to be recovered. Breakdown co ...
Going through a divorce can be a painful experience which may drain you emotionally and physically, but it can also have a huge strain on your finances. There is a great deal to consider when going through such a process and costs can really add up ...
As household finances are squeezed further by the rising cost of fuel, food and utilities, many UK residents are struggling to get to grips with how life has become so expensive in comparison to 20 years go. Britain appears to be on the brink of an ...
Family life insurance policies help to provide for the needs of you and your dependents. Many policies will allow you to take out a joint policy with your partner, so you can ensure that you have everything in place should the worst happen. Life in ...
Having life insurance in place is critical to ensuring that that the needs of your loved ones are taken care of, should the worst happen. As well as offering peace of mind, life insurance comes with a range benefits, and unlike the common misconce ...
Life insurance, as with the majority of insurance products out there, can be quite a complicated process. With forms to fill out and assessments to be made, it might seem like more hassle than it’s worth. But a life insurance policy can give you ...
APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate. It is designed to help customers compare products effectively when they need to borrow money. What is APR? Banks, credit card companies and other lenders will quote an interest rate for any product the ...
With so many different providers offering foreign exchange it can be difficult to know where to start, and if you don't know the basics, you could end up paying over the odds. So take a look at our guide to travel money jargon to make sure you get the bes ...
Everyone loves to save as much money as possible on their holidays and many of us will take the time to shop around for great deals on flights, accommodation and other costs. But we often don't do the same when we're exchanging money. With thousand ...
We all love to find great deals on flights, hotels and excursions for our holidays but many people still leave exchanging their holiday money to the last minute, which can mean that you pay more than you need to. If you want to get the best deal o ...
Balance transfers allow credit card users to transfer the money they own on one credit card to another. Often the new balance will enjoy a more attractive interest rate. What is a balance transfer? If you pay off your credit card balance in ...
When it comes to travel money, to get the most bang for your buck you need to find the best exchange rate. To learn more about this and other ways to make the most of your holiday cash, read our travel money guide. Withdrawing cash ab ...
The cost of living is dramatically increasing and the effects of high unemployment and high inflation combined with poor savings has taken its toll on the over 50s. Pensions in particular have been hit hard, not just because of the government’s ...
Many people these days choose to travel alone. Solo travel can provide a great sense of freedom and achievement, but there are challenges and various issues to bear in mind. Benefits of solo travel One of the greatest benefits of travelling ...
There are many reasons for travellers to take last minute trips. Some might be searching for bargains, while others might simply be taking advantage of a bit of unexpected free time. Whatever the reason, a last minute trip doesn't have to be badly planned ...
Europe is a diverse place that offers travellers a huge range of environments and experiences. The best way to prepare may vary depending on your destination and the exact nature of your trip, but there are some general issues to bear in mind before depar ...
Hand luggage, also known as cabin baggage, is the luggage you are allowed to take with you in the passenger compartment of a plane. There are generally restrictions on the number of bags you can take, the size and weight of those bags and the items you ca ...
More and more over 65s are choosing to travel abroad these days, but if you are in this group it is worth noting that some insurers may impose an age limit or only offer cover at a higher premium. However, there are policies available that are specificall ...
There are several different types of pet insurance that can be purchased that will protect you against the basics, but not all pet insurance will cover all eventualities, so always ensure any policy you purchase covers all your pet's needs. Most p ...
A new puppy can be an exciting addition to any household, but it can also end up costing you a lot of money. Purchasing puppy insurance can help to protect you against the costs of things like medical treatment for your dog and can give peace of m ...
It is fair to say that, here in Britain, we are a nation of pet lovers. People up and down the country have all manner of animals that they regard as part of their family. Whether it is a hamster or a guinea pig, a cat, dog or even a lizard, Brits ...
People have all manner of weird and wonderful animals as pets these days. From the less-than-cuddly tarantula to the downright dangerous python, exotic animals seem to be more popular than ever. But no matter how often exotic animal owners extol th ...
Your credit rating can help determine whether you are successful in applying for a loan, mortgage or credit card. It is based on data compiled by credit reference agencies. What is a credit reference agency? Credit reference agencies are companies who c ...
Motorbike insurance can cover you if you're involved in an accident or your bike is stolen or damaged. Individual policies can vary depending on the insurer and the type of insurance taken out. Do I need motorbike insurance? Valid insurance is a leg ...
A motorcycle's tyres are the only part of the vehicle in contact with the road. They affect all aspects of control from accelerating and braking to steering and cornering. It's essential for the safety of both the rider and other road users that the ...
Most of us have got wise to the idea of shopping around for the best deal on auto insurance, but there are a number of things you can do to try and reduce your car insurance prices no-matter which insurer you choose. Small is beautiful: how car insurance ...
What did your partner give you for Valentine’s Day? Flowers, chocolates, lingerie - or maybe the spare key to their flat? If it’s the latter, and you’re moving in together, it’ll be an exciting time for both of you. But there are also lots of things to ...
Adding value is the latest buzz phrase in the property market as Britons seek to increase their property prices. Climbing the property ladder has been made more difficult by a slowdown in the housing market. But staying put is no bad thing if you can bre ...
Accidents and serious illnesses can happen to anyone, no matter how careful or health conscious they are. Income protection can help you to meet your financial responsibilities and maintain your lifestyle if you find yourself unable to work through an acc ...
Critical illness cover is a type of life insurance that helps you to meet your financial needs the moment you are diagnosed with a critical illness which falls under the terms covered by your policy. The policy can cover a variety of expenses from compens ...
For many people, investing in a life insurance policy is a big step. It is a large commitment and usually indicates that we have responsibilities that make our life worth insuring. Many types of life cover can be purchased from a fairly young age – with ...
Planning a funeral can be a stressful task and most people would rather not place the responsibility of planning or paying for their funeral on the shoulders of their family. Many people prefer to take out a funeral plan whereby they can plan and pay for ...
In these unsettled economic times, many people find that a sound financial plan for the future can bring great peace of mind. Planning ahead can help you achieve or maintain the sort of lifestyle you want and can help to protect and provide for family and ...
As a population, we're all living longer than ever before. It's not unusual now for people to spend almost a third of their lives in retirement. For many people, retirement is an opportunity to try new things and spend time doing what they want to do afte ...
Older travellers are now taking more holidays than their younger counterparts, according to a recent study. It is also worth noting that, with people generally living longer and staying more active and healthy, we're tending to keep our options open as we ...
Our jargon buster is designed to explain some of the terms associated with credit cards: Annual fee Some companies charge an annual fee for holding a credit card account. This fee will apply no matter how much or how little you use the card. Not all com ...
Credit cards offer a convenient and flexible way to pay for goods and services. They differ from debit cards, which draw from existing funds like a bank account. A credit card, as the name implies, draws upon credit provided by your card issuer. In effect ...
It's important to maintain the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle. Ensuring your tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure can help you stay safer on the road, as well as saving money on replacement tyres and fuel consumption. Why is the correc ...
A car breakdown overseas is most drivers’ worst nightmare, and if you are heading on holiday this summer a car breakdown could potentially ruin your travel plans. Organising for your car to be towed away and repaired may be a simple process in the UK, b ...
There are various things to consider when selling your car. These include whether to sell to a trader or private individual, how to achieve the best price and what to do when you complete the sale. Who to sell to There are various options available when ...
Third party car insurance is the minimum legal amount of cover you need to be able to drive a car on roads within the UK. It can be cheaper than more extensive forms of insurance but provides limited protection. What is third party car insurance? Put si ...
A no claims discount can be a valuable way to lower the cost of your car insurance. Most insurers offer a no claims discount to drivers who have not made a new claim over a set period of time. What is a no claims discount? A no claims discount, also kno ...
A car is a vital part of many people’s working and social lives, despite the fact that the cost of keeping a car seems to be going up all the time. With petrol prices still high, and the cost of car insurance steadily rising, motorists are shelling out m ...
Thousands of people take their cars abroad every year, but did you know that without specific European insurance you may not be adequately covered to drive outside the UK? Many drivers wrongly assume that their insurance will cover them for the same thin ...
In these environmentally conscious times, many of us are trying to be kinder to the environment and one method that you can use to be more environmentally friendly is to purchase green car insurance. But what exactly is green car insurance, how can it ben ...
Keeping safe on the road will help you to avoid accidents which could potentially lower your insurance premiums. Some providers offer discounts if you have not made a claim within a certain time period. Tips for long journeys If you are planning a long ...
Whether you live in a five bedroom house or a one bedroom flat, your home and its contents can be protected with home insurance. You can purchase home insurance to secure your belongings and to help pay for repairs or damage caused to your home by things ...
For many of us the thought of having to shop around for different energy tariffs can seem like a hassle, which is why many people choose to renew their contract with their existing company, rather than searching for a better deal. However, you can compar ...
Whether your home uses gas, electricity or both, it’s important to read your energy meters regularly and let your energy company know your readings. If your energy supplier does not receive meter readings from you they will come up with an average of wha ...
We would all like to pay less for gas and electricity, which can mean changing your supplier, but with so many different suppliers and tariffs it can be difficult to know where to start. If you want to change supplier, reduce your energy bills or if you ...
There are so many quick and simple ways to save energy in the home that will keep you warmer, help you reduce your energy bills and make your home kinder to the environment. If you want to improve your home’s energy efficiency then read our handy energy ...
Modern households are a lot more well informed about the environment than they were a decade ago which means more and more people are trying to reduce their carbon footprint and limit the damage they cause to the world. For that reason the popularity and ...
With so many different energy tariffs available, it can be hard to know where to start, but if you want to get the best deals on energy prices then you need to make sure you choose the right tariff for you. Take a look at our guide to energy tariffs to g ...
In these cash strapped times it's more important than ever to save money where you can. Despite this fact thousands of people in the UK are paying over the odds for their gas supply, simply because they haven't taken the time to look for a better deal. T ...
With energy prices on the rise it's more important than ever to make sure you're getting the best deal. However, many people choose to simply renew their contract with their current electricity provider rather than taking the time to find out if there are ...
Purchasing a home is a big decision that generally involves a sizeable investment and many people believe that purchasing home insurance is an effective way to protect that investment. If you're considering home insurance and you want to find the best p ...
The cost of running a home continues to increase as items such as utilities and council tax become more and more expensive. When you’re already laying out hundreds of pounds a month on bills it can be tempting to opt for the cheapest home insurance you ca ...
DIY can be great and with the right tools and a bit of patience you can achieve professional-looking results in your home without having to hire professional tradesmen. However, if you get it wrong you can end up with a job that ends up costing you a lot ...
With so much to do and so many things to remember, moving house can be hard work. However, you can make sure your move is stress free if you stick to our handy checklist. If you’re about to move and you don’t know where to start then read on to find out h ...
Buildings insurance covers damage against the permanent structures of your home. You are not legally obliged to have buildings insurance but it may be difficult to obtain a mortgage without adequate cover in place. What does buildings insurance cover? B ...
Kittens are one of the nation's favourite pets and for millions of people across the UK, their kitten is a part of the family. With this in mind, many families may be keen to cover themselves financially should their kitten have to deal with injury or ill ...
We all love our pets, so when it comes to things like medical treatment, we want to ensure that we're giving them the very best that we can. But with so many different types of insurance available, it can be difficult to know which one is the right policy ...
Your contents insurance can cover a wide range of things in your home such as electrical items, jewellery, clothing, carpets and curtains. It can also cover permanent fixtures like a fitted kitchen or bathroom suite. If you own a property then your mortg ...
With household budgets currently feeling the squeeze, it makes sense to make savings wherever you can. Cutting down on your energy consumption is a good way to save money and to lower your carbon footprint at the same time. You may also be able to greatly ...
Purchasing a home is a big decision that generally involves a sizeable investment and many people believe that purchasing home insurance is an effective way to protect that investment. If you're considering home insurance and you want to find the best p ...
Below are some key aspects to keep in mind when choosing the right travel insurance policy for your needs. Which policy is best for me? If you take holidays several times a year, you may wish to invest in a multi-trip policy that will cover you for an u ...
Travel insurance could cover you against injury, losses and other mishaps during the course of a holiday or other trip. Single trip travel insurance, as the name suggests, covers you for a single trip only. Before you consider whether such a policy is the ...
Many people take out travel insurance to cover themselves against injury and losses on a holiday or trip. Standard single trip and annual travel insurance policies often do not cover activities such as skiing though. Ski travel insurance, also known as wi ...
Annual travel insurance, also known as multi-trip travel insurance, is insurance designed for those who make multiple trips abroad during the space of a year. What's the difference between annual and single-trip insurance? Single-trip insurance, as the ...
The EHIC is a reciprocal healthcare agreement giving you access to state run hospitals in the EU as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You can obtain an EHIC card for free by visiting www.ehic.org.uk and this will entitle you to the ...
There are many milestones that we encounter as we go through life, but one of the biggest can involve taking out a mortgage. Purchasing a house is something we’ll always remember, along the same lines as buying our first car or having our first child. B ...
